Man who sexually abused young girl jailed

A man who sexually abused a young girl during the early 1990s has been jailed for eight years.

The victim of Mark Berry was aged between nine and 12 at the time of the offending but found the courage to report it more than 20 years later – this was after seeing the support provided through the criminal justice system to another victim of sexual abuse in a separate case.

Mark Berry

 

The reporting of the offending led to Berry being questioned and a full investigation carried out by Leicestershire Police’s Signal team.

The victim reported how Berry, 58, of New Romney Close, Leicester, had sexually abused her at the time including at his home address at the time in Leicester.

Berry was charged and appeared at Leicester Crown Court in June where he pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault.

On Friday (6 August), at the same court, he was jailed for eight years.

Officer in the case, Detective Sergeant James Clayton said: “The victim of Berry felt unable to report the offending at the time and also for many years after. However, when she saw the support being provided to another victim in a separate case, this gave her the courage to talk to police.

“It is thanks to this bravery of the victim that we were then able to launch an investigation and bring this case to court while making sure full support was in place for her.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, whether recently or in the past, please do talk with someone about it and please know that we are here to listen to you and to help support you throughout any investigation and court case. It is never too late to report it to us.”